Preston North End new boys will intensify battle for places

Neil got long-time target Ben Whiteman through the door yesterday, the midfielder joining from Doncaster in a deal worth around £1.5m.

He is the fourth January signing, following on from Jayson Molumby, Ched Evans and Daniel Iversen on loan.

Molumby featured in last week’s FA Cup defeat against Wycombe but Evans and Iversen will come into contention with Whiteman.

PNE set their sights on former Manchester United junior Whiteman some time ago, with Lilywhites boss Neil excited about what the 24-year-old will bring in time.

Neil said: “Ben is more of a deep-lying midfielder, he has predominantly played as a six in his career.

“He is a playmaker, has a good range of passing and breaks play up too.

“You could say he is a bit like Paul Gallagher, creative but from deep. There are not a lot of players like that, most creative players are at the top end of the pitch.

“In terms of goals and assists he racks up good numbers. He will find his way with us and we will find out his traits.

“I just think we need to be careful not to put the bar too high, too early for him.

“This is a step up for Ben in terms of a level, albeit I think he is more than capable.”

Having Whiteman and Molumby join the squad will make Neil’s midfield selection interesting both tomorrow and in the weeks ahead.

While Alan Browne penned a new contract this week, the same deals offered to Daniel Johnson and Ben Pearson, so too Ben Davies, remain unsigned.

So will it be a case of the new boys being allowed some settling-in time or will they jump the queue in Neil’s thoughts?

Johnson has scored twice in his last four games and also has a liking for finding the net against Bristol City.

Pearson is not far from full fitness after an ankle injury after six weeks out.

Browne signing his new deal pleased Neil. Whether any of the others will follow, remains to be seen.

Said Neil: “Conversations have been ongoing, it’s a moving landscape.

“There are four lads here, stalwarts in my time, who we want to retain. The lads will make decisions based on what they think is best for their careers.

“Thankfully Alan has decided what is best for his career is to extend his contract here and sign a very good offer from the club.

“Let’s wait and see what time brings with the other lads. What was important for us was that we needed to act in this window.”

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